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Fifth Third Bancorp Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Fifth Third Bancorp: Fifth Third Bancorp primarily offers health benefits to its employees through Aetna, one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States. Aetna provides a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, tailored to meet the needs of Fifth Third Bancorp's workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, the healthcare landscape is expected to see significant cost increases, with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace premiums projected to rise sharply, potentially exceeding 60% in some states. This surge is driven by a combination of expiring federal premium subsidies, which could result in out-of-pocket costs skyrocketing by over 75% for millions of enrollees. With higher medical costs, including hospital and drug expenses, coupled with double-digit rate hikes from major insurers, many consumers may find themselves priced out of affordable coverage options, necessitating strategic planning for their healthcare needs in the coming years. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Fifth Third Bancorp employees may benefit from a comprehensive retirement strategy that addresses inflation, health care costs, and tax planning.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Proactive retirement planning—especially around inflation, health care, and shifting tax policies—can help Fifth Third Bancorp employees gain clarity and reduce uncertainty in the years leading up to retirement.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

Key causes of retirement anxiety, including inflation, health care, and taxes.
Generational differences in money concerns and readiness.
The value of broad retirement planning approaches.

Retirement Anxiety is On The Rise

Employees across industries, including those at Fifth Third Bancorp, have long worried about how they will fund retirement. These concerns have grown considerably in today’s economy. Nearly two out of three Americans (64%) said they worry more about outliving their resources than they do about dying, according to the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement’s 2025 Annual Retirement Study. ¹

Main Causes of Retirement-Related Worry

The Allianz study lists several key triggers of these fears. Regarding long-term planning, 54% of respondents said inflation was their top worry. Increases in health care costs, housing, and food prices are still undermining people’s purchasing power.

Concerns around Social Security’s future and tax burdens are also high. 43% said they feared Social Security might not offer adequate support. And another 43% named high taxes as a major issue.

Generational Gaps in Money Stress

Gen X—often balancing care for both kids and aging parents—report the highest worry: 70% versus 66% of millennials and 61% of boomers. Among corporate workers, including those at Fifth Third Bancorp, this dynamic underlines how family obligations can magnify retirement concerns.

The Gap Between Worry and Action

The survey shows a gap between concern and conversation: just 23% of respondents have talked about outliving their assets with a retirement specialist, down from 28% in 2024. ² That said, Americans are considering several strategies to allay these fears, ranking the following approaches as most helpful:

41% said cutting current spending to funnel more toward retirement 
44% said increasing retirement contributions 
39% said postponing retirement
While increasing contributions to retirement accounts could help address these concerns, barriers remain: daily necessities (63%), credit card debt (40%), mortgage or rent (35%) were top reasons people weren’t contributing more.

The Emotional Side of Retirement Anxiety

Retirement fears influence not just finances, but lifestyle, career choices, and family planning. Worries about independence, dignity, and quality of life often accompany fear of running short on funds.

Health care need are often underestimated too, complicating the equation. Medicare covers many basic services, but long‑term care, home assistance, and uncovered treatments can add large bills—adding uncertainty even for high‑income employees.

Broader Retirement Planning Matters

The Allianz findings emphasize planning well beyond just saving. With people living 25 to 30 years post‑work, a solid planning mindset is critical. As Kelly LaVigne, VP at Allianz Life, noted, “Americans areliving longer… your money needs to go farther. A good plan considers 25 to 30 years of retirement, not just the first ten.” ²

Key components often include:

Income strategies: setting up regular monthly disbursements from assets
Tax planning: reducing tax burdens on withdrawals
Health care planning: factoring in Medicare gaps and long‑term care
Inflation alignment: keeping income responsive to cost increases

Combined, these strategies can help build resilience, confidence, and preparedness even in uncertain times.

In Conclusion

The 2025 Allianz Retirement Study makes it clear: a majority of Americans—and Fifth Third Bancorp employees among them—see the threat of running out of money as more frightening than death. Rising inflation, health care spending, and uncertainty around Social Security are central drivers. Fewer are taking direct action through planning conversations or boosted contributions.

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Yet there is opportunity. The IRS now permits catch‑up 401(k) contributions of up to $11,250 for those aged 60–63 in 2025—above the standard limit. For many, this is a practical way to fortify resources in those final working years.

A Final Thought

Think of retirement like a long sea voyage. Death may be the storm ahead, but empty savings are the leak that can sink the ship first. According to the Allianz study, 64% of Americans fear that leak more than the storm. For Fifth Third Bancorp employees, the goal is to build a well-structured plan—with consistent income, planning for health costs, and tax awareness—that can keep the vessel afloat for the long haul.

Sources:

1. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, ' How Americans feel about retirement in 2025 ,' by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement ^TM , June 2025.

2. businesswire, ' Americans Are More Worried About Running Out of Money Than Death ,' April 22, 2025.

What type of retirement savings plan does Fifth Third Bancorp offer to its employees?

Fifth Third Bancorp offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Fifth Third Bancorp enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Fifth Third Bancorp can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the benefits department for assistance.

Does Fifth Third Bancorp match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Fifth Third Bancorp offers a matching contribution to employees who participate in the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Fifth Third Bancorp?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Fifth Third Bancorp follows the IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for the current year.

Can employees of Fifth Third Bancorp take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Fifth Third Bancorp allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s rules and regulations.

What investment options are available in the Fifth Third Bancorp 401(k) plan?

The Fifth Third Bancorp 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Fifth Third Bancorp 401(k) plan?

Yes, Fifth Third Bancorp has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which determines how much of the matched funds employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Fifth Third Bancorp 401(k) plan?

Employees of Fifth Third Bancorp can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's rules.

What happens to my Fifth Third Bancorp 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Fifth Third Bancorp, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Fifth Third Bancorp plan if allowed.

Are there any fees associated with the Fifth Third Bancorp 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with managing the Fifth Third Bancorp 401(k) plan, which can vary based on investment choices and administrative costs.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Fifth Third Bancorp offers a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan called the MB Financial, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, which is managed through Vanguard. This plan covers 4,032 employees and is part of Fifth Third Bancorp's retirement benefits. The company has a long history in commercial banking, dating back to its founding as the Bank of the Ohio Valley in 1858, and it provides a range of financial services across numerous states. The Fifth Third Bancorp 401(k) plan allows employees to make tax-deferred contributions, which helps them reduce taxable income today, while saving for retirement (Fifth Third Bank) (Fifth Third Bank). For employee pension plans, specific details about the company's pension formula and years of service requirements are managed under the same corporate benefit structure. Employees can participate in a comprehensive benefits program that includes retirement options, which are also part of Fifth Third's efforts to attract and retain top talent (Fifth Third Bank). The eligibility criteria for the 401(k) plan are typically based on employment status and tenure, ensuring that employees who meet the required years of service are eligible to participate. The MB Financial 401(k) plan encourages contributions to maximize retirement savings, supplemented by potential employer matching contributions, enhancing long-term financial security

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Fifth Third Bancorp announced a restructuring plan aimed at optimizing its operations and reducing costs. The bank planned to cut approximately 5% of its workforce as part of this initiative. This decision reflects broader industry trends where financial institutions are streamlining operations in response to changing market conditions. Company Benefits and Pension Changes: Alongside layoffs, Fifth Third Bancorp also revised its benefits structure, including changes to its pension plan and 401(k) matching contributions. The adjustments are aimed at improving financial stability but may impact employee retirement planning. Given the current economic uncertainties and fluctuating investment environments, it is crucial to stay informed about such changes. Understanding these developments helps employees and investors anticipate and adapt to potential impacts on financial security and retirement planning.

Fifth Third Bancorp offers stock options and RSUs as part of their employee compensation. Stock options and RSUs are typically granted to executives and senior management, providing incentives aligned with company performance. For 2022, 2023, and 2024, details on stock options and RSUs are available in the company's annual proxy statements.

Fifth Third Bancorp offers a robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health-related options for its employees. Key benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, which are complemented by various voluntary plans such as disability insurance, life insurance, and critical illness insurance (Fifth Third Bank) (Fifth Third Bank). The company also provides access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) for employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), allowing them to save pre-tax dollars for medical expenses (Fifth Third Bank). This is an important component of their healthcare benefits, aimed at encouraging proactive financial management for healthcare needs.